£500m plans to transform Leeds Station and make room for HS2 have been unveiled.

These CGI show how the station would look with a new central common concourse, new platforms, new public space, a new roof, a new footbridge, external landscaping and the creation of a surrounding station campus for commercial, residential and leisure developments.

Plans include three million square feet of new commercial development around the station and would see the dark arches transformed into new retail and leisure spaces.

How the new South Bank entrance to Leeds Station could look (Image: Leeds City Council)

The city centre’s road network would be remodelled with nearby streets and those under the station being pedestrianised, with the dark arches being transformed into new retail and leisure spaces.

The arrival of HS2 in the city is set to be a key element of the regeneration of the South Bank, a 250-hectare regeneration project which will see Leeds city centre double in size and at least 8,000 new homes built.

What the new internal concourse of Leeds Station could look like, connecting all platforms including HS2 (Image: Leeds City Council)

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “These fantastic new images of what Leeds Station could look like show not only its exciting future as a distinct and welcoming gateway to the city, but how important it is to get this right by putting people and the visitor experience at the heart of all the plans.

“The arrival of high-speed rail is essential to helping Leeds and the wider region fully realise its massive potential, and we hope by seeing these images and reading the report everyone can see the level of ambition we have for this project – Leeds deserves the best and that is our committed aim.”

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These stunning new images have been released as part of the Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan, which provides the blueprint for the station’s ambitious transformation into a gateway hub.

Kings Cross designer Hiro Aso is the brains behind the design.

Sketch of what new remodelled main entrance to Leeds Station could look like, as drawn by lead architect Hiro Aso (Image: Leeds City Council)

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said that the cutting edge design will embody the aspiration of Leeds.

She said: “These new images show what this northern gateway hub could look like and embody the City Region’s aspirations, that high-speed rail will transform our productivity and connectivity. Through this hub and the investment into improved transport links between our towns and cities and other parts of the UK; such as Northern Powerhouse Rail connecting Manchester, Bradford, Leeds and York.

“We will ensure that our talent can access the careers and opportunities of tomorrow, producing a tangible economic benefit which can lead to inclusive growth for all the people who live and work here.”

A six-week public consultation on the plans for the South Bank began on Wednesday November 8. See www.southbankleeds.co.uk for more details and to have your say on the proposal.